Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Place de la Madeleine

Paris

France

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
June 1, 2004
May 1, 2024

A traffic-congested plaza surrounding an outsized 19th-century monument.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Approaching Place de la Madeleine, one is so overwhelmed by traffic that the district's positive assets, including a wonderful flower market, are all shunted into the background.

Once you get to the steps of the Madeleine, a monumental church constructed in the style of a Greek temple, you can behold the sea of traffic coming toward you from Place de la Concorde and up Rue Royale. If vehicular space was decreased by a quarter and the sidewalks were widened into a boulevard like the Passage de Gracia in Barcelona, the whole experience would be dramatically altered. Combine these changes with similar improvements to the streets emanating outward from this plaza, and you'd completely transform the whole district into a walkable, attractive destination. One suggestion: A pedestrian_oriented connection between Place de l'Op_ra and La Madeleine could become a much-used link between two of the most recognizable monuments in Paris.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine
Place de la Madeleine

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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